Ukaki Makes Full Debut as Sheffield United Lose to Birmingham in Cup
Promising Nigerian forward Ehije Ukaki played his first competitive match in English football, but it ended in a 2-1 Carabao Cup first-round defeat as Birmingham City edged past Sheffield United at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
The 20 year old signed for the Blades in the summer on a three-year contract from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv. His pre-season form had impressed he found the net against OGC Nice and Chesterfield in friendly fixtures and though included in the Championship opening day squad, he remained an unused substitute.
In a dramatic cup tie, manager Rubén Sellés made ten changes, handing Ukaki his first start. Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel entered the fray for the hosts in the 67th minute.
The breakthrough came early as Furuhashi capitalised on a defensive error by Sasnauskas following fine work by Gray—to open the scoring in the fifth minute. United posed threats soon after when Marsh forced two early attempts, while Ukaki fired boldly over from a promising position.
Just past the hour, he nearly equalised again, heading narrowly over from close range. Then, in the 72nd minute, Gustavo Hamer launched a sensational lob from the halfway line that beat the Birmingham goalkeeper to level matters. But three minutes from time, Jay Stansfield struck to seal the win for Birmingham and send them into round two of the Carabao Cup.
Editorial
We are drawn to the unfolding story of Ehije Ukaki’s debut and what it represents for both player and club. Sheffield United’s decision to grant him a competitive start after a promising pre-season signals confidence in his potential. We sense that this is more than a debut it is the first stride in a journey that could enrich both his career and the team’s future.
Promising Nigerian forward Ehije Ukaki played his first competitive match in English football, but it ended in a 2-1 Carabao Cup first-round defeat as Birmingham City edged past Sheffield United at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
The 20 year old signed for the Blades in the summer on a three-year contract from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv. His pre-season form had impressed he found the net against OGC Nice and Chesterfield in friendly fixtures and though included in the Championship opening day squad, he remained an unused substitute.
In a dramatic cup tie, manager Rubén Sellés made ten changes, handing Ukaki his first start. Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel entered the fray for the hosts in the 67th minute.
The breakthrough came early as Furuhashi capitalised on a defensive error by Sasnauskas following fine work by Gray—to open the scoring in the fifth minute. United posed threats soon after when Marsh forced two early attempts, while Ukaki fired boldly over from a promising position.
Just past the hour, he nearly equalised again, heading narrowly over from close range. Then, in the 72nd minute, Gustavo Hamer launched a sensational lob from the halfway line that beat the Birmingham goalkeeper to level matters. But three minutes from time, Jay Stansfield struck to seal the win for Birmingham and send them into round two of the Carabao Cup.
Editorial
We are drawn to the unfolding story of Ehije Ukaki’s debut and what it represents for both player and club. Sheffield United’s decision to grant him a competitive start after a promising pre-season signals confidence in his potential. We sense that this is more than a debut it is the first stride in a journey that could enrich both his career and the team’s future.